Maxine Dehart

Straight from DeHart

Date: January 31/2007

This week’s column is dedicated to Brian Dallas who recently passed away. I have known Brian for many years, going way back to both our banking careers. Condolences to JoAnne, the entire family and friends.

Soleil Saunas Inc. has formed a partnership with Beachcomber Home Leisure at 410 Banks Road. Soleil Saunas, with president Kim Sterling at the helm lead the way in bringing the very best far infrared technology to the Valley. Their Armana Solocarbon Saunas have become one of the saunas of choice for health professionals and consumers who want the best product available. Beachcomber Home Leisure is a well-respected 30 year family-owned business that specializes in premium hot tubs, indoor home furnishings and patio furniture. They are well known for their excellent customer service. Both Beachcomber stores in Kelowna and Vernon have an Armana corner sauna in cedar on their showroom floor for viewing. Kent Melvin is the owner/manager of Beachcomber Home Leisure. Call 763-8847 www.soleilsaunas.com

After 23 years, Ian Blackford of Busy Bee Cleaners in Spall Plaza has sold and is retiring. He has been in the same location for the entire 23 years and his great staff will stay on with the new owners. If you still see him around, perhaps delivering or still in the shop, he’s going to help out for the next couple of months.

Corie Griffiths has joined the Economic Development Commission (EDC) in the position of Research Assistant. Corie was previously program coordinator for the Westside Parks and Recreation Department which is operated by the Regional District and prior to that was program coordinator for Webber Road Community Centre for over two years and provided contract work to the Regional District Parks Department. Call her at 469-6280

Everyone will miss service specialist and central trainer Crystal Polley. She is retiring from London Drugs on February 9 after over 22 years with the company. Incidentally she is turning”60” on February 5. Congrat’s on both!

Couple of great promotions at Sunset Ranch Golf and Country Club. Well-known golf professional Bruce Vermee is now the new director of golf and first assistant Scott Cameron has been promoted to head professional. Along with that, the golf club has purchased brand new power carts for the 2007 season. Call 765-7700.

A new member is joining the Okanagan College Board of Governors. The provincial government has appointed Kelowna resident Lance Kayfish to a one-year term with the College Board. Kayfish is a risk management expert employed the City of Kelowna with a background in post-secondary education management and has worked with the City since 2003 as a Risk Manager and before that worked with the University of Calgary as Manager of Safety Services.

BCAA has opened a new office in Westbank at 3550 Carrington Road. The Kelowna office is always busy and I’m sure this will take some of the pressure off them with the opening of the new office. Diane English is the manager of the Westside office. Call 707-4800

Starbucks is opening yet another store at the corner of Harvey and Gordon. With the Kiosk in Orchard Park that makes about 10 in our area now.

Well-known retired businessman Bill Redmond has taken on a new role at Okanagan College. He is the first Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Okanagan School of Business. He will hold the position for one year and during his time on campus he will guest-lecture in classes, consult with students one-on-one or in small groups and will work with professors to brainstorm and strategize about modern, relevant business practices.

Had a nice visit with George Siu and Park Heffelfinger, owners of the new Memphis Blues Barbeque House at 289 Bernard Avenue. Memphis Blues offers award winning authentic Southern barbeque. They started operations in Vancouver, with three BBQ houses in full operation on West Broadway, Commercial Drive and Lonsdale. The unique restaurant offers no reservations and you order your meal at the counter, which in turn is delivered to your table. The restaurant has a comfortable atmosphere with both booths and tables. They have an extensive menu featuring starters, salads, sandwiches and desserts along with main entrees. You might want to try their famous ribs, sliced brisket, pulled pork or catfish which are all served with their homemade BBQ pit beans, which have been baked and smoked for 14 hours, corn bread with the main ingredient being cream of corn to make it moist, slaw and choice of potato, salad or fries. Their Memphis Feast, which is their signature item serves four and offers great value as does their whole menu. David O’Leary is the manager of the Kelowna operation. They are open seven days a week. Call 868-3699.

Head wine-maker extraordinaire, Howard Soon of Andrew Peller Ltd. is again offering his “Wine Appreciation Course” at Okanagan College from February 28-March 28. Howard’s motto is “Anyone who lives in Okanagan wine country and entertains visitors should know something about wine.” He’s right! Some of the things you will learn is practical wine tasting skills and exposure to wine judging; you will be able to taste a wine critically and decide what its quality is for you; you will gain insight into the winemaking process as it affects taste; emphasis is on learning and fun from the wine lover’s viewpoint and you will taste wines from around the world and learn what wine labels can tell us from the consumer point of view. Howard is a Certified Wine Educator and has been in the industry for over 26 years. Call Continuing Studies 862-5480 to register.

This is an excellent new student business. Student Connections is a new business funded by Industry Canada located at Okanagan College. The business aims to show entrepreneurs and seniors the power of the internet. They offer many resources for seniors and small to medium sized businesses to receive high quality “free” computer Internet, E-commerce and computer training. Their goal is to help businesses learn innovative practices so they can remain competitive in the ever-changing market place. They offer weekly seminars on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at the college, one-on-one consultations and website evaluations. The services of the program are absolutely free and can give your company the competitive advantage it needs. To register for a seminar or for more info call Jennifer Dixon at 762-5445, local 4746 or e-mail JDixon@okanagan.bc.ca

Jim Carta is celebrating his 15^th anniversary in business in the same location. You might remember he stared out as Reimer Financial and now has Permanent Financial/ Peak Investments at 1455 Ellis Street. He employs nine staff. Call 860-6494.

Charisse Lansing, formerly with the Daily Courier for over nine years in advertising has moved on and is now an advertising executive at CKOV and Power 104.

Owner Nicola Finch of Nicola’s Bodycare formerly on Groves Avenue has moved her business to a new location at 202-1139 Sutherland Avenue. She offers advanced technology in laser hair removal. She also offers electrolysis and advanced skincare with complimentary consultations. Call 862-5152 www.laserspa.ca

Bella Clothing Boutique owned and operated by Sarah Williams at 3005 Pandosy Street has now re-opened after their water damage closed the shop from January 22-January 30. Their new spring merchandise is arriving soon and they are also introducing three new labels being Nicole Bennisti, Pani and XOXO. Call 868-0220

I visited Sun Valley Speedway last year in Vernon. It is something else. The track has now received NASCAR sanction and will host the All America Series races.

Predator Ridge Development Ltd. has been named as a finalist within six categories from the Canadian Home Builders Association National Sales and Marketing Awards. The CHBA Awards are handed out annually to recognize excellence in development across Canada. Predator Ridge has been recognized in the following categories: Best Community Development, Marketing Excellence, Grand SAM, Best Single Family Production Home over 2,200 sq.ft., Best Sales Office and Best Direct Mail. Winners will be announced on February 24 at the national awards in Quebec. George Planiden is the general manger of Predator Ridge Development Ltd.

Steelewaters Band is celebrating their first anniversary and are doing well, playing many venues around the province.

Urban Hut Design owned by Pamela Scott is celebrating their 1^st anniversary in business. This trendy-hip modern boutique located at 516 West Avenue in the Pandosy Village area features home décor, artwork and giftware. The shop also features the popular Bauer Pottery which is available in 15 brilliant colours, gorgeous Spirit Bears made by a BC aboriginal artist, stone heaters, handcrafted unique furniture pieces locally made and a new line of art cards. Many chic fabulous home and garden items will be arriving in the next couple of months. Call 763-4301.

Congratulations to Rachel Makin and Eddie Edwards (Whiskey Jacks) on their recent marriage on January 12.

Safeway Dilworth Shopping Centre has chosen Brain Trust Canada as the recipient for their “We Care” Charity Drive. Brain Trust Canada is the largest community rehabilitation non-profit organization in BC. The “Miles Brings Smiles” week-long event began on January 28 and runs to Saturday February 3. During the campaign, for every $2 donation, customers receive “5 Air Miles” with proceeds to Brain Trust Canada, toward brain injury prevention and education in the Okanagan. Customers will also have a chance to win a bike helmet with a “brain design” and other giveaways. Starbucks is also supporting this cause by offering samples of specialty coffee during the morning. Cheryl Stone is the Safeway We Care Coordinator. Call Devon Lutz at 762-3233 for more info.

Ballet Kelowna presents its 5^th Annual Valentine’s Masked Ball fundraiser on Saturday, February 10 at the Coast Capri Hotel. The evening offers a romantic dinner, wine, dancing to the Michael Garding Big Band, a performance by Ballet Kelowna and silent and live auctions. Masks are available at the door to add to the romance and intrigue of the evening. All this for only $125. All proceeds go to the Spring Season performances. Walter Gray will be this year’s MC. Call 762-6105.

The Westbank & District Chamber of Commerce, February Business After Hours is Thursday, February 8th at 7pm at Fenders Autobody & Paint. RSVP required at 768-3378.

P.S. to RCMP Staff Sergeant Ron Danilowich: How did the gold lame’ work out for you in Mexico! Can’t wait to here.

Quote of the week – How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and “she-roes!” (Maya Angelou)

Birthdays of the week – Happy 40^th Karen Erickson, Investors (Feb.7); Bill Sinclair (Jan.26); John Gardner (Feb.4); Chris Manchulenko (Interior Health) Jan.30. Happy belated 40^th Todd Sanderson (Jan.11).

Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna hotelier. Phone her at 979-4546, fax 860-3173, E-mail maxdehart@telus.net and web-site www.welcometokelowna.com (click on Business)